Thursday 18th June 2026

News

Oxford Union holds “This House Believes the West is Right to be Suspicious of Islam” Debate

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, otherwise known as Tommy Robinson, is due to speak at the Oxford Union at 8.30 pm this evening at a debate on the motion “This House Believes the West is Right to be Suspicious of Islam”. The event has drawn condemnation from University societies, local politicians, and local faith leaders.

Home Office proposes doubling of Campsfield capacity

The Home Office has proposed a second phase of development to the Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), increasing its capacity from 160 to 400 beds.

New Oxford campaign seeks to demystify genetic and neurological conditions using animations

A new educational campaign developed by the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford aims to make neurodevelopmental disorders easier to understand through a series of animated videos. 

Twelve Oxford Scientists receive prestigious Royal Society Fellowship

Twelve University of Oxford researchers have been elected as fellows to the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences. They join a cohort of 90 scientific researchers elected this year from around the world who specialise in fields ranging from “astronomy and cancer research to mathematics and biotechnology”.

Oxford begins human trials for ebola vaccine

This vaccine is also unique in being multivalent - targeting multiple variants of the virus. By being able to target both Zaire and Sudan variants, the vaccine can be used in virtually all outbreaks and therefore governments can stockpile it, secure that it will be useful if a new outbreak appears.

Two suspected Omicron cases identified at Pembroke

“The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified two suspected cases of the Omicron variant in people associated with Pembroke College, according to an email from Pembroke to their students."

Plans submitted for Schwarzman humanities centre

The project has come under criticism in the past, most notably after initial public consultations in February of last year.  Then, campaigners from the Student Union and university staff called for Schwarzman’s money to be rejected, wanting more transparency in general regarding the process by which donations are accepted and funding is approved.

City Council announces return of severe weather emergency protocol

Oxford City Council announced last week the return of their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). The policy is intended to provide overnight accommodation to homeless people living in Oxford in the event of particularly harsh winter weather.

Timothée Chalamet’s ‘Wonka’ to be filmed in Hertford College

In a newsletter to its students, Hertford College confirmed that the resident college cat, Simpkin IV, will soon be “competing for quad space with the case and crew of the new Wonka film.” The filming is set to take place in the College before Christmas. 

Linacre alumni express concern over name change procedure

"Cherwell has heard from early alumni of Linacre College who have expressed concerns that the multi-step process of approving the name change could disadvantage the views of alumni and fellows of the College. The process, which could take as long as a year, requires the 5430 strong Congregation to approve the proposed change before it is submitted to the Privy Council for approval."

Climate Justice Campaign criticise Linacre name change donation

"Linacre College’s receipt of a ‘transformative' donation from SOVICO Group has drawn criticism from the Oxford Climate Justice Campaign because of the company's associations with the aviation and petroleum industry."

“There is more to you than you think…That seems to be the essence of faith”: Lord Rowan Williams speaks at Oxford Union

“I don’t think the church should ever be bound to a political program. It is not a party organisation. But what the Church can do in a huge variety of ways, is to remind the world around of what matters about human beings. That maybe done as basic as organising a local route of visiting people in the suburb of Cardiff. It maybe somebody from the Church, perhaps the Pope addressing the whole nation. It maybe anything in between."

Buy One, Give One Free: Oxbridge competition to donate to food banks

"The food charity ‘Because We Can’ is running a food bank collection competition between Oxford and Cambridge University, ending on November 30th. Under the title ‘Buy One, Give One Free!’ (BOGOF), they are encouraging students to buy and donate items needed by local food banks."

Alice in Wonderland themed campaign launched to support Oxford local businesses

"In the run-up to Christmas, Alice from Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland will be appearing on the streets of Oxford as part of a City Council campaign. The campaign, launched on November 15th, aims to encourage shoppers to return to the streets and support independent businesses." 

New College tortoise, ‘Tessa’, actually male

After an eventful trip to the vets, it was discovered by New College students that Tessa the tortoise is in fact male. Not only that, but he is anywhere up to 40 years older than the students initially thought. 

Michael-Akolade Ayodeji elected President of the Oxford Union, Connect slate wins all other major positions

Michael-Akolade Ayodeji of the INSPIRE slate has been elected President of the Oxford Union for Trinity 2022, winning 486 first preferences and 52% of...

2 billion doses of Oxford vaccine delivered

"Today, the vaccine is produced in fifteen different countries, with jabs having been delivered in over 170 countries. The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker initially rebuffed pressures to make a profit on its 2 billion vaccines, while its rivals netted billions in revenues. This year, AstraZeneca is set to make a loss on the vaccine of 3 cents per share, according to the Financial Times."

145 looted Benin artefacts identified by Oxford

"'We acknowledge the profound loss the 1897 looting of Benin City caused and, alongside our partners of the Benin Dialogue Group, we aim to work with stakeholders in Nigeria to be part of a process of redress,' concluded the University’s statement."

Victorian Christmas Market visits Oxford

"The ‘Oxford Victorian Christmas Market’ took place on Gloucester Green and Broad Street this weekend, with festive stalls, food courts and entertainment."

Disarm Oxford posters criticise Oxford University’s “ties to the arms trade”

"The posters were placed by the relatively new group Disarm Oxford. Disarm Oxford seeks to lobby “the University — departments and colleges — to sever ties with arms companies, to stop taking research funding from such companies and to cease Careers Service advertising for them”."

Oxford Colleges reject student-led climate rankings

"The majority of Oxford and Cambridge colleges received the lowest 'U' grade in climate rankings published by the student-led group Climate League of Oxford and Cambridge. Anvee Bhutani, Oxford SU President, summarised on Twitter: 'Oxford colleges overwhelmingly fail'."

Professor Louise Richardson to leave position of Vice-Chancellor

"Professor Louise Richardson is set to leave Oxford after a seven year term as the Vice-Chancellor. She will leave the role in December of 2022 and assume a new role as President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York in January of 2023."

Philippines presidential candidate did not complete Oxford degree as he claims

"Mr. Marcos Jr. has claimed repeatedly in the past that he obtained a BA in PPE...However, Oxford University has confirmed that this claim is partly false."

AstraZeneca will start making profits from Oxford vaccine

“AstraZeneca had previously promised that they would administer the jab on a not-for-profit basis 'at cost', and would only start to make money from the vaccine when Covid-19 was no longer considered to be a pandemic. "

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